If you are lucky enough to have a swimming pool that is not all shallow and has a deep end to it, then jumping off a diving board is a great way to have a refreshing break. This is not a new pastime, either. In fact, centuries before the springboard was invented, people used to dive off bridges and cliffs for fun. Historical data indicates that diving goes back to the ancient Olympic Games. Compared to those times, modern springboards allow you to get the same adrenaline rush from jumping and plunging into the water, but are much safer and more predictable.

Diving boards vary in texture, size, material, use and placement. Back in the day, springboards were made entirely of wood and directed upward to help the diver reach a height. Today, most diving boards have a wood core and acrylic outer layer, or are made entirely of fiber glass. Both materials are lightweight, robust and impervious to insect attack, unlike many kinds of wood. Fiberglass also offers superior flexibility and spring.

There also are highly durable diving boards made of aluminum or stainless steel, designed to last a lifetime. Such units make repairs unnecessary and stand up to severe use and even abuse. To make sure that you will not slip on the diving board, they are often surfaced with sand on the topside for a non-slip tread.

Unlike the material used, the placement, dimensions and use of a diving board are often defined by local health and safety legislation.

Springboards come in a plethora of sizes ranging from 6 to 18 feet in length. Since longer boards require more space at poolside, the size of the diving board rather depends on the type of use. If it is a private residential swimming pool, a springboard measuring up to 6 or 8 feet would be more than enough. For a larger commercial pool or one designed for competitive swimming events, longer diving boards measuring 12, 14, 16 or 18 feet are required.

When shopping for a diving board, the placement of this unit is another important aspect to consider. Springboards are typically mounted on board and may or may not need a hard spring to help the swimmer jump higher when diving or jumping into a pool. If there is no spring, the stand serves as a fulcrum allowing the board to bend or remain motionless as you jump into the pool.
Making the right choice of a diving board will substantially reduce expenses and maintenance work, providing children or those young at heart with a perfect launching pad for hours of sheer fun, joy, and entertainment.